Category Archives: Save Money

Three Smart Home Products

August 6, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

In today’s fast paced digital world, there is always newer more advanced methods, appliances, and technology being developed to revolutionize an industry or perhaps the entire worlds everyday life. This is great news for you considering the quality and intelligence of your devices and products can only get better and more convenient. Tasks that used to take a lot of time and planning now can be done 10 times better in half of the time thanks to connecting your devices to the digital realm. Appliances and devices are now becoming smart models offering more features connecting to your smart phone for your absolute convenience. Check out the options below for a more in depth look at the new possibilities.

Water Leak/Freeze Detector’s

These are excellent units that can be installed to keep track of the temperature and humidity of certain aspects of plumbing in your home. They can be synced to your smart phone and will show you recorded data from the measurements they take. This is an excellent safety feature so if a pipe or area gets too cold then you will be alerted so you can fix the problem before the problem escalates into something larger. Water leak detectors are great for letting you know if the device/setup finds any leaking water so you can catch it ASAP and avoid wasting water, money, and time. Imagine being able to monitor your home for leaks and freezes 24/7, 365 days a year all from your phone virtually maintenance free. Luckily, this can all become a reality whenever you decide it’s time to move forward and achieve these amazing upgrades.

Smart Thermostats

Another extremely convenient addition/upgrade you can easily make is installing a new smart thermostat. This will give the ability to monitor and control the temperature throughout your home by simply changing the temperature on your smart phone or tablet. It’s also excellent for keeping track of your desired temperature so it will automatically adjust and change the temperature so it is right where it needs to be even when the temperature would have gone up or down normally. This gives you total control at all times from the comfort of your smart device.

Water Heater Shut Off Valve

Finally, one last beneficial smart device that can be installed is a water heater shut off valve. This will automatically shut off water to the water heater when necessary while leaving all the other fixtures in perfect operation unaffected. It can also detect leaks and warn you if a problem arises so you can make a change or turn something off to avoid a bigger problem. Any and all of these devices will surely make your home more manageable, enjoyable, and hassle free. You can also catch issues early before they develop into something bigger while saving energy with better tracking and recording. Be sure to pick the model and brand that suits you and your family best before purchasing. For further help or services, contact a professional that offers water heater repair in DC.

Water Heater Replacement Process

August 3, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

The first and foremost step that comes before anything else in the process of replacing your water heater is understanding how long one can usually last and how to get the most out of it. The typical lifespan for a water heater runs right around 8 to 12 years depending on the model and year it was manufactured. The following article shares some helpful information for determining your best course of action, if your water heater isn’t performing optimally.

Understanding A Water Heater and Its Lifespan

An excellent tip to remember when talking about the life of a water heater is to have your next purchase and installation planned out ahead of time so you can replace it before it completely breaks, leaving your home without hot water availability. Be sure to keep an extra close eye on the condition and efficiency of your heater as it starts to get higher up in years in its life span so you can keep up on necessary maintenance and catch problems early before they become not fixable. Draining out the sediment build every couple months is an excellent tip to help prolong the life, effectiveness, and efficiency of your unit.

When It’s Time To Look For A New Unit

When it does becomes time to replace your water heater because it no longer works correctly or it has become completely unusable, making the right purchase will mean the difference of how much money you spend and what kind of performance the heater will deliver in your home for several years to come. When getting a new heater you’ll most likely want to get the same type of heater as last time meaning if it was a gas or electric water heater so the connection procedure is the same. You should also strive to get the most efficient model that will also be big enough to handle all of your needs as this will be a major difference on how much money you spend each year on the cost of running it. The more you know about the water usage in your home and how much money you can spend, the better chance of making the best possible purchase. Discussing this with your plumber and having them handle your replacement is wise, as they can guide you and often get a better deal on the water heater itself, as they purchase and install them everyday.

Removing The Old And Installing The New

Once you have purchased your new water heater and are ready to use it you will need to remove the old one if you haven’t already. To do this first turn off the water supply and then run all the hot water out in the sinks in the house. Then if you use a gas hookup be sure to turn off the gas valve before disconnecting. Next, you’ll need to hand cut all the plumbing lines hooked up to the unit. Finally, now you can then remove the water heater which will be heavy so be careful and get some help. When hooking up the new one you will first want to get the water heater placed in the right spot and connect all the needed water hoses. Then you will want turn on the water supply while still leaving the hot water faucet open so they can run for one minute before turning them off. Lastly, you can then reconnect the wires to the new unit, turn the power on, and wait for the water to start to heat up. If you have any issues or questions about water heaters you can reach out to an expert that specializes in DC water heater repair for professional advice and service.

Prepping Your Home Before Vacation

July 29, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Planning and packing for vacation is fun and hectic. In the hustle and bustle, make sure to take care of a few things in and around the house to maintain safety and cleanliness. Unplugging appliances, adjusting the furnace and water heater thermostats, and setting alarms are important, and so are the useful tips that follow.

Shutting Down Any Water Source

Before leaving your home for an extended period of time for a vacation, for example, there are a few extremely crucial steps to take so you aren’t returning home to a mess or a costly disaster. When you are home, having the main water valve on is an obvious must so water can go where it needs to go throughout your home. However, when you are gone you will want to shut off your main water valve in the case of a leaking or broken pipe, since you won’t be there to react to an issue that arises. Failure to shut off the main valve could leave you with a flooded house or worse when you return if something were to go wrong. Another good preparation tip to act on is making sure that no outdoor water is left on such as a sprinkler system for example. A drip all day for several weeks adds up to a large amount of wasted water. The first step is to always be sure that all the water is turned off.

Tending To Indoor And Outdoor Pumps

The next step for ensuring the efficiency of your home inside and out while you are away is checking on any pumps such as sump pumps and pool pumps as a couple examples. Ensuring that your sump pump in the basement works is very important for guaranteeing that your basement won’t flood. If the gutters fail and allow water to come in the basement, a sump pump will save you from a lot of water damage. To check the sump pump simply dump some water in the pump pit so it raises the water level, then see if it ejects the water correctly. If it fails then you could try to solve the issue or contact a professional for help before leaving. Another pump that should be left on is the swimming pool pump. By turning it off for long periods of time, algae build-up can occur so always set it at the optimal operating setting for long term efficiency.

Preventing The Build Up Of Mold And Bacteria

Lastly on the list of preparation steps for a lengthy vacation is eliminating the chance for the buildup of mold, bacteria, and other unsanitary substances. Always clean dirty dishes and unload the dishwasher so bacteria can’t develop on food covered dirty dishes. Next, you should check the refrigerator and freezer for foods that have a short expiration date and either consume before leaving or properly dispose of them before departure so they can’t rot and form mold. Rotting foods for a period of time will become unsanitary and leave very unpleasant long lasting odors. Properly following these three tips will greatly improve the condition of your home when you return and also decrease the chance of a catastrophe happening that could cost you a fortune. If you have any further questions or concerns on preparation actions or simply general plumbing issues, contact a professional that offers plumbing upgrades in DC.

Three Easy Tips To Conserve Water In The Bathroom

July 21, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Moneymatt

Conserving water is an important thing everyone should do, worldwide. “Going green” can be accomplished by doing small, simple things that help the environment. Read on for some useful tips you can employ in your own bathroom to help reduce your water usage, and save yourself a little money while you’re at it.

Ensure You Don’t Have Toilets Leaking Water

The first method in using less water in your home is to make sure you aren’t wasting/leaking water such as a leaking toilet for example. Testing a toilet for leaks is virtually free and can be done quickly and hassle free. Simply remove the tank lid and drop 10 drops of food coloring or dye in the tank. Next, wait 10 to 15 minutes and then check inside the toilet bowl for any sign of the food coloring/dye. If you do see it then your toilet is indeed leaking and wasting water day after day and should be fixed as soon as possible. When fixing the leak or buying a new toilet consider installing a new low flush toilet which uses a lot less water on every flush saving you money on bills and using far less water per year helping to preserve the environment. It is very important to ensure that all of your plumbing and appliances are working correctly free of leaks and problems since they can waste tons of energy, water, and money when not operating up to par.

Use Less Water When Bathing

Second, on the list of useful steps to help save water and money happens every day with your bathing ritual. Many people are completely unaware that taking baths uses far more water on average than that of a normal five-minute shower. Taking fewer baths will add up over time to water conserved and you will most likely notice savings on your water bill as well. Also, you can also change out your old shower head out for a newer modern low-flow shower head. These are designed to spread the water out using a lower psi so it still feels satisfying and does the job while saving a large amount of water over time. These new low-flow shower heads are also built with high quality and often can be mobile in the shower with more options and better features for your convenience.

Use Less Water At The Sink

Lastly, on the list of ways to use less water in the bathroom comes when using the sink in several different manors. One way to use less water at the sink is turning the water off while brushing your teeth and only using it when rinsing. This is an extremely common mistake people continue to make even though a lot of water can be wasted if the water is run for 3 to 5 minutes while brushing your teeth. Another very useful upgrade that can be made is by installing low-flow faucet aerators for the sinks. This will help decrease the steady psi of water that comes out so less water is wasted when washing your hands, shaving, brushing teeth, and much more. Installing a low-flow faucet aerator can cut the water usage in half with every single use. These are three excellent ways to help save a ton of water and money on your water bill day after day. For any further questions regarding plumbing concerns, contact a professional that offers DC clog services for further help and advice.

Making Plumbing Add Value To Your Home

July 13, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Sometime we don’t think about the many ways that plumbing can add value not only to our lives, making them easier and more enjoyable, but it can add value to our homes, as well. The following three ways can help add value, add enjoyment, and/or add savings to your bank account.

Jetted Tubs

It’s probably safe to assume that most people can benefit and enjoy soaking in a hot jetted tub from time to time. There are several known health benefits of using jetted tubs such as providing relief for sore muscles and helping ease certain types of injuries. Jetted tubs can also provide a relaxing experience to help you unwind, relieve stress, and even loosen you up after intense physical activity. It is also proven that soaking in a hot bath for 10-15 minutes before bed can help you get a better night’s sleep. A lot of people look for a garden tub, jetted tub, or soaking tub when buying a house, so it is a good idea to include them in your remodel of new build, as they add to the resale value of the home.

Walk-In Bathtubs

If you struggle with mobility, balance, or have a disability that makes stepping over the traditional bathtub side dangerous then installing a walk-in bathtub could make all the difference. Buying and installing one of these safer and convenient designs comes with a price, however, if you can afford it, they can offer great benefits and safety features. They provide a nice sized enclosure with a swinging water tight door to open and close, making the trip in and out a breeze. The only downside is waiting for the tub to fill when inside and then waiting for it to completely drain when done so you can open the door. They also provide a seat inside so you can be seated if you like while bathing for your comfort and convenience. These walk-in bathtubs usually start around $2,000 and can go all the way up to $10,000. They can also add value to your home when included in a bathroom remodel. If you have any questions or concerns about plumbing, sewer, appliances, or gas lines don’t hesitate to contact a professional who is qualified as a DC master gas fitter.

Solar Power And Water Heaters

With modern technology today, we have the luxurious opportunity of switching from traditional methods over to energy efficient methods. This can save you a large amount of money spent on energy along with also greatly reducing the number of harmful carbon emissions into the environment. Many people use solar panels to power the main electrical grid of their home which is great. However, some people are now using solar power for everyday household appliances. Water heaters are larger units that are used every day and can add up quick in costs if overused or used incorrectly. By switching to a solar powered water heater, you have the potential of saving up to 50-80 percent of the total yearly water heater budget. Solar powered appliances are also a great way to boost your homes resale value as well.

Plumbing Hacks To Save You Some Money

July 10, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Everyone wants some ideas to save money. Here are some helpful ways to save some green and maintain your plumbing systems at the same time.

Prepping Your Plumbing For A Long Trip Away

When you are planning on leaving your home for an extended period of time there are some very important preparation measures to take to avoid coming home to a catastrophe and ruined appliances. First off, check for any visible leaks throughout your home to avoid water damage/large water loss. Second, if your water heater has not been flushed in a while then it is wise to flush it before leaving to prevent sediment build up. A couple good tips to use regarding the freezer/refrigerator are turning off the automatic ice maker to prevent malfunction and throwing food away to prevent it from spoiling and creating moldy unsanitary conditions. Also, cleaning your gutters before you leave is an excellent practice to direct water away from your roof and home, decreasing chances of build-up, mold, and water damage. Next, be sure to check and turn off all outdoor sprinklers and faucets so you don’t return to an overly high water bill caused by excess water and energy usage. Lastly, if possible, turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent a giant water leak destroying everything inside.

The Major Problems With A Leaking Toilet

Toilets are certainly an important factor in day to day living anywhere you go and should be monitored regularly to decrease the chance of a problem arising. Too often someone can have a leaking toilet for a long period of time and not even know it. However, the amount of water wasted from a leaking toilet in a year could fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. That could also explain why the bills are higher than they need to be. Luckily, checking a toilet for a leak is relatively simple, quick, and accurate. To check for a leak simply remove the tank lid and drop roughly 10 drops of food coloring in the tank. After waiting 10 to 15 minutes check the bowl to see if the food coloring is in there. If it is then you indeed have a leak and will need to have it professionally fixed. Your next step should be contacting a DC sewer and drain professional as soon as possible to help get the problem resolved and bring the water wasting to a halt.

Benefits Of Installing New Energy Efficient Units

Every day people are striving for newer more advanced methods, practices, and technology. In the world of plumbing advancements, there are always newer more efficient appliances and units being installed to save time and money. For example, new energy efficient washers and dryers can save a lot on energy bills each month while also holding their value. Another example would be new low-flow shower heads and toilets to cut way back on water used per flush/shower. By learning what energy efficient units have to offer you may realize just how much money, energy, water, and time you could save by updating your appliances and units. When it comes to any aspect of plumbing, the more you learn the more you can enjoy your home hassle free.

Useful Plumbing Tips For New Homeowners

July 5, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Being a new homeowner can be a little stressful. Arming yourself with some useful plumbing tips and hints can make life easier and save you some money. It can also make you more prepared if and when an issue does arise.

Water Heater Management

Most of the time doing simple things can save you from big problems and hassles down the road when talking about water heaters. One of the most basic things to be aware of about your water heater is what temperature the thermostat is set at.

Sometimes, they come factory set at a higher temperature than necessary which wastes energy and can also decrease the life of the unit. Setting your heater at a temperature of 115 degrees is usually sufficient for all your normal needs. Most units will last around 10 to 15 years so it is a good idea to start looking for a new one around 7-8 years to be safe. Another excellent tip that will help your water heater last longer and work more efficiently is to drain a quart of water every three months to reduce sediment build up in the tank. Lastly, if you heat using electricity and live in a warm sunny climate you may consider switching to a solar powered water heater to help cut down on energy costs.

Ways To Save Energy In Bathrooms

There are several very effective methods for cutting back on cost and energy used in everyday bathroom rituals. First off, taking a normal length shower in place of a bath uses far less water on average. Second, replacing your old shower head with a new modern low-flow shower head will save a large amount of water on a daily basis. Another excellent tip to remember when creating or remodeling a bathroom is to run wires for lights separately so you can use just the light you need at that time. Lastly, installing/replacing an energy efficient low flow toilet will save water on every single flush which adds up to a huge amount saved per year.

Get Familiar With The Plumbing In Your Home

The best way to fix costly and annoying problems is to stop them from happening in the first place. Just by knowing things like where your main shut off valve is and whether you have any visible leaks can save you from massive problems developing. Also, having a general knowledge of the plumbing order, location, and condition in your home will allow you to start making positive changes to save yourself money and energy expenditure. Being aware of where your pipes are located throughout your home is crucial when doing any type of remodeling or large structural changes like moving a wall for example. It would be very undesirable to knock down a wall and accidentally break a pipe open spilling water out everywhere. It also pays to have occasional inspections done on things if you are unsure or would like to make a change for the better. Fortunately, professional plumbing service is there to help get you back on track in case of an emergency or just a general problem that needs to be fixed. If you are unsure of whether you have a leaking pipe or not, considering hiring a team of professionals that provides DC leak detection.

Benefits Of Hiring Professional DC Plumbing Services

June 24, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Moneymatt

Plumbing issues can range from simple to complex, and at times it’s not easy to know how complicated they may be. If you don’t have any plumbing experience, it always good to have a professional plumber check your plumbing system to avoid creating more problems that might cost you more cash to fix. Finding a professional plumbing service in DC is very easy. These experts are trained to handle everything from clogged toilets to leaking pipes and the bursting pipes that destroy rooms within your home. Most people think that you can only call a professional plumber when there’s an emergency, but the opposite is usually true. Calling a professional whether your problem is small or big will bring a big difference in your overall repair costs and also minimize property damage. Read on to find out other benefits that you stand to gain when you hire professional DC plumbing services.

Quality Service

Plumbing repair companies are burgeoning by the day because of the lucrative nature of the services. However, not all of them are experienced in handling the basic and complicated plumbing system issues. But, with a professional plumbing service, you are guaranteed quality services, in skills and the use of standard replacement parts and tools.

Insurance

Just like any other service provider, acquiring an insurance cover is also crucial for the plumbing services. Not only does it offer some peace of mind, but it also protects you from any personal liability in case of damages and injuries in the course of the repair job. Moreover, some specialized plumbing repairs need very costly equipment. The insurance will cover such equipment in case of damage or loss. It is important to understand that a proper insurance and registration is a good indicator of professionalism. Therefore, hiring professional DC plumbing services ensures that you will be covered if any accidents occur when they are working on your property.

Knowledgeable

Professional plumbers have sound knowledge in any part that is related their profession. They will carry out any problem with your plumbing system effectively and efficiently since they are well trained. A professional plumber is in a position to see the big picture, analyze your plumbing problem, and work hard to fix it once and for all. A professional has sufficient knowledge related to any plumbing problem, and he can resolve it on time before it turns out to be complicated.

Experience

It is possible that a professional has seen the plumbing issue you are experiencing before. A professional plumbing service with an established business has sharpened their skills with time, and they can repair and fix even the most challenging of plumbing issues.

Guaranteed Work

Most of the reputable plumbing service companies will offer you insurance as well as guarantees. However, the amount of time may vary, but you will get a guarantee of one month up to a year of free service in case the plumbing problem recurs, so you will know that your property is in good hands.

DIY Hidden Costs

Although hiring a professional plumber may appear costly, the amount of money may add up once you go for DIY as well. The total cost of renting or buying the plumbing tools and equipment will either be the same or even more than hiring a professional.

In conclusion, it is important to hire professional plumbing services in DC whenever you have a plumbing issue. However, before hiring any plumber, ensure that you check their testimonials and the referrals provided by other people. By doing this, you will be well informed about the skills and the experience of the plumber.

THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN PLUMBING UPGRADES FOR YOUR HOME

June 10, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Uncategorizedmatt

Plumbing upgrades are one of the current remodeling trends that add value to your home. You spend a lot of time in your kitchen and bathroom and updating your plumbing with the latest fixtures and features will help you save on water and also make your home more comfortable. Plumbing fixtures will not only add beauty to your home, but your home will also function better. If you are planning to update your home easily and quickly, updating your fixtures is a perfect solution. Whether you plan to sell your house in the near future or not, embracing the smart home concept is worth the investment. The following are the benefits of plumbing upgrades in DC you can enjoy as a homeowner.

Plumbing Upgrades Make your Home Safer and Healthier

Our society is becoming more health conscious, and some of the current plumbing innovations are designed to create a more hygienic and a safer living space for you. Touch-free plumbing technology is a feature in most of the new products and it helps in preventing the spread of germs and other contaminants. Hands-free faucets have also become the new trend in the bathrooms and kitchen. Self-cleaning toilets, which refresh with a wave of the hand, are also gaining popularity in the modern homes.

Installations of drinking water filtration systems can also make your home healthier and eliminate the cost of bottled water. You can install the filtration systems to treat water throughout your entire house and may add individual filters to refrigerators and faucets.

You can also choose from a variety of plumbing fixtures, faucets, and appliances that incorporate sensor technology with the help of a plumber in DC. The sensors will help you monitor water temperature and prevent scalding in showers and faucets. The sensor technology also prevents flooding in your home since the flood detection sensors can sense water on the floor and shut the water supply automatically.

Plumbing Upgrades Save You Money

There are a variety of appliances that have built-in water saving technologies. These appliances can reduce the usage of water in your home and help you save on your monthly costs. Replacing your shower heads with low-flow models, or adding aerators to your faucets, are two simple fixes you can make to save you money and other resources.

Plumbing Upgrades Give Your Home an Aesthetic Appeal

By simply updating a shower head, replacing a toilet, updating the knobs of your cabinet or replacing a faucet, you can change the look and feel of your home completely. With some simple changes, you can give your home a new modern look. When looking to upgrade the fixtures in your home, replace the standard grade fixtures with a higher end finish and material to make your home feel like new again.

Plumbing Upgrades Increase the Value of Your Home

By updating your kitchen and bathroom fixtures, you can increase the value of your home immensely. Whether you intend to sell or you are just upgrading for your own sake, updating fixtures such as bathroom shower heads or kitchen sink faucets can create a great impact on the value of your home.

In conclusion, the cost saving benefits of these upgrades are reason enough to adopt the technology-driven upgrades for your house and family. To learn more about these upgrades and other innovations, contact a plumbing service in DC for all your plumbing needs.

How To Conserve Energy In Your D.C. Home

March 12, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Our nation’s capital is a very green city. Many D.C. area residents are extremely environmentally conscious and their lifestyles reflect it. This mindset affects all areas of life here in D.C.: shopping, dining, transportation, even the daily aspects of home life. Regarding the latter, if you are a homeowner here in Washington, chances are you are looking for new and creative ways to cut down on energy use. Doing so is not only helpful for the environment, it is helpful for your utility bill as well! Given the skyrocketing prices of energy here in D.C., energy saved is money earned! This article will highlight some ways that you can do your part for the environment, while saving some serious cash.

Cut Down On Water Use

This is one of the easiest lifestyle changes you can make. There are simple steps that you can take to greatly reduce the amount of water used in your home. For one, try not to leave the water running when it is not being used. This might seem like a simple step, but it is one that many people sadly neglect. How many times do we leave the water running while brushing our teeth, for example? All of that water just goes straight down the drain! Another, slightly more radical, step is to turn the shower off during the actual lathering and washing process. This is known as a “navy” or “combat” shower, due to its use in the military. And try not to shower for too long. It may be comforting to stand in the hot water, but this leads to gallons and gallons of waste! Speaking of hot water, make sure that your water heater is as efficient as possible. Any leaks or malfunctions can lead to huge water waste. If you have this problem, there are many D.C. water heater repair companies who are able to fix it, and get you back to optimal efficiency.

Cut Down On Electric Use

As with water, this is another simple lifestyle change. It could involve something as cheap and simple as changing your current lightbulbs for more energy-efficient bulbs. Speaking of lights, always turn them off when they are not needed. This is another simple, obvious energy-saving step that many people forget about. Also, while summers can be very hot and humid here in D.C., avoid using your air-conditioner as much as possible—it is a huge energy guzzler! Try opening windows and using fans to get air flowing throughout your house, using the air-conditioner only at times when it is unbearably hot.

Outfit Your House For Maximum Energy Efficiency

There are energy-saving changes that you can make to the physical structure of your house itself. And no, this doesn’t have to involve solar panels (though they are a great idea). Installing more energy-efficient windows that reduce air leakage can greatly cut down on energy use over the course of a year. Speaking of air leakage, make sure your home is properly insulated, and that there are no cracks or leaks in the walls or roof of your house. Finally, installing a fireplace can greatly cut down on heater use, and save you energy during those chilly D.C. winters!